Marvel Illustrated: Picture of Dorian Gray, Part 3 by Sebastian Fiumara · OverDrive: eBooks, audiobooks and videos for libraries Comic and Graphic Books Fiction Artist Basil Hallward has heard the vile rumors being spread about Dorian Gray, the man whose portrait he painted years ago. He confronts Gray on a fog-shrouded street and demands to know why so many of those close to him have had careers and reputations ruined—one young man a suicide! Dorian takes the artist to the attic where he keeps his portrait shrouded in canvas and uncovers it to Basil's horror! And the horror is just beginning. Don't read it in the dead of night. SparkNotes: The Picture of Dorian Gray: Character List The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde Plot Overview Analysis of Major Characters Dorian Gray - A radiantly handsome, impressionable, and wealthy young gentleman, whose portrait the artist Basil Hallward paints. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian becomes extremely concerned with the transience of his beauty and begins to pursue his own pleasure above all else. He devotes himself to having as many experiences as possible, whether moral or immoral, elegant or sordid.

Read an in-depth analysis of Dorian Gray. Lord Henry Wotton - A nobleman and a close friend of Basil Hallward. Urbane and witty, Lord Henry is perpetually armed and ready with well-phrased epigrams criticizing the moralism and hypocrisy of Victorian society. His pleasure-seeking philosophy of “new Hedonism,” which espouses garnering experiences that stimulate the senses without regard for conventional morality, plays a vital role in Dorian’s development. Read an in-depth analysis of Lord Henry Wotton. Basil Hallward - An artist, and a friend of Lord Henry. Basil becomes obsessed with Dorian after meeting him at a party. He claims that Dorian possesses a beauty so rare that it has helped him realize a new kind of art; through Dorian, he finds “the lines of a fresh school.” Dorian also helps Basil realize his artistic potential, as the portrait of Dorian that Basil paints proves to be his masterpiece. Read an in-depth analysis of Basil Hallward. Sibyl Vane - A poor, beautiful, and talented actress with whom Dorian falls in love.

Sibyl’s love for Dorian compromises her ability to act, as her experience of true love in life makes her realize the falseness of affecting emotions onstage. James Vane - Sibyl’s brother, a sailor bound for Australia. James cares deeply for his sister and worries about her relationship with Dorian. Distrustful of his mother’s motives, he believes that Mrs. Vane’s interest in Dorian’s wealth disables her from properly protecting Sibyl. As a result, James is hesitant to leave his sister. Mrs. Vane - Sibyl and James’s mother. Mrs. Vane is a faded actress who has consigned herself and her daughter to a tawdry theater company, the owner of which has helped her to pay her debts. She conceives of Dorian Gray as a wonderful alliance for her daughter because of his wealth; this ulterior motive, however, clouds her judgment and leaves Sibyl vulnerable. Alan Campbell - Once an intimate friend, Alan Campbell is one of many promising young men who have severed ties with Dorian because of Dorian’s sullied reputation. Lady Agatha - Lord Henry’s aunt. Lady Agatha is active in charity work in the London slums.

Lord Fermor - Lord Henry’s irascible uncle. Lord Fermor tells Henry the story of Dorian’s parentage. Duchess of Monmouth - A pretty, bored young noblewoman who flirts with Dorian at his country estate. Victoria Wotton - Lord Henry’s wife. Victoria appears only once in the novel, greeting Dorian as he waits for Lord Henry. She is described as an untidy, foolishly romantic woman with “a perfect mania for going to church.” Victor - Dorian’s servant. Although Victor is a trustworthy servant, Dorian becomes suspicious of him and sends him out on needless errands to ensure that he does not attempt to steal a glance at Dorian’s portrait. Mrs. Leaf - Dorian Gray’s housekeeper. Mrs. Leaf is a bustling older woman who takes her work seriously. More Help Basil Hallward - The Full Wiki The Full Wiki More info on Basil Hallward Wikis Advertisements Note: Many of our articles have direct quotes from sources you can cite, within the Wikipedia article! This article doesn't yet, but we're working on it! See more info or our list of citable articles . Related top topics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "Dorian Gray" redirects here.

For other uses, see Dorian Gray (disambiguation) . The Picture of Dorian Gray Cover of the first edition Author LC Classification PR5819.A2 M543 2003 The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde , appearing as the lead story in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine on 20 June 1890, printed as the July 1890 issue of this magazine. [1] Wilde later revised this edition, making several alterations, and adding new chapters; the amended version was published by Ward, Lock, and Company in April 1891. [2] The story is often mistitled The Portrait of Dorian Gray. The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Talking in Basil's garden, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view.

Espousing a new hedonism , Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfilment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian cries out, expressing his desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul , with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging. [3] The Picture of Dorian Gray is considered a work of classic gothic horror fiction with a strong Faustian theme . [4] Contents 11 External links Plot summary The novel begins with Lord Henry Wotton observing the artist Basil Hallward painting the portrait of a handsome young man named Dorian Gray. Dorian arrives later and meets Wotton. After hearing Lord Henry's world view, Dorian begins to think beauty is the only worthwhile aspect of life, the only thing left to pursue. He wishes that the portrait Basil is painting would grow old in his place. Under the influence of Lord Henry, Dorian begins to explore his senses.

He discovers actress Sibyl Vane, who performs Shakespeare in a dingy theatre. Dorian approaches her and soon proposes marriage. Sibyl, who refers to him as "Prince Charming," rushes home to tell her skeptical mother and brother. Her protective brother James tells her that if "Prince Charming" harms her, he will certainly kill him. Dorian invites Basil and Lord Henry to see Sibyl perform in Romeo and Juliet . Sibyl, whose only knowledge of love was love of theatre, loses her acting abilities through the experience of true love with Dorian. Dorian rejects her, saying her beauty was in her art, and he is no longer interested in her if she can no longer act. When he returns home he notices that his portrait has changed. Dorian realizes his wish has come true – the portrait now bears a subtle sneer and will age with each sin he commits, whilst his own appearance remains unchanged. He decides to reconcile with Sibyl, but Lord Henry arrives in the morning to say Sibyl has killed herself by swallowing prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide). With the persuasion and encouragement of Lord Henry, Dorian realizes that lust and looks are where his life is headed and he needs nothing else.

That marks the end of Dorian's last and only true love affair. Over the next 18 years, Dorian experiments with every vice, mostly under the influence of a "poisonous" French novel, a present from Lord Henry. Wilde never reveals the title, but his inspiration was possibly drawn from Joris-Karl Huysmans 's À rebours (Against Nature) due to the likenesses that exist between the two novels. [5] Dorian faces his portrait in the 1945 The Picture of Dorian Gray One night, before he leaves for Paris, Basil arrives to question Dorian about rumours of his indulgences. Dorian does not deny his debauchery. He takes Basil to the portrait, which is as hideous as Dorian's sins. In anger, Dorian blames the artist for his fate and stabs Basil to death. He then blackmails an old friend named Alan Campbell, who is a chemist, into destroying Basil's body. Wishing to escape his crime, Dorian travels to an opium den .

James Vane is nearby and hears someone refer to Dorian as "Prince Charming." He follows Dorian outside and attempts to shoot him, but he is deceived when Dorian asks James to look at him in the light, saying he is too young to have been involved with Sibyl 18 years earlier. James releases Dorian but is approached by a woman from the opium den who chastises him for not killing Dorian and tells him Dorian has not aged for 18 years. While at dinner, Dorian sees James stalking the grounds and fears for his life. However, during a game-shooting party a few days later, a lurking James is accidentally shot and killed by one of the hunters. After returning to London, Dorian informs Lord Henry that he will be good from now on, and has started by not breaking the heart of his latest innocent conquest, a vicar's daughter in a country town, named Hetty Merton. At his apartment, Dorian wonders if the portrait has begun to change back, losing its senile, sinful appearance now that he has given up his immoral ways. He unveils the portrait to find it has become worse.

Seeing this, he questions the motives behind his "mercy," whether it was merely vanity, curiosity, or the quest for new emotional excess. Deciding that only full confession will absolve him, but lacking feelings of guilt and fearing the consequences, he decides to destroy the last vestige of his conscience. In a rage, he picks up the knife that killed Basil Hallward and plunges it into the painting. His servants hear a cry from inside the locked room and send for the police. They find Dorian's body, stabbed in the heart and suddenly aged, withered and horrible. It is only through the rings on his hand that the corpse can be identified. Beside him, however, the portrait has reverted to its original form. Characters Basil and Lord Henry survey the portrait of Dorian In a letter, Wilde said the main characters were reflections of himself: "Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry is what the world thinks me: Dorian is what I would like to be—in other ages, perhaps" [6] . The main characters are: Dorian Gray – a handsome young man who becomes enthralled with Lord Henry's idea of a new hedonism .

He begins to indulge in every kind of pleasure, moral and immoral. Basil Hallward – an artist who becomes infatuated with Dorian's beauty. Dorian helps Basil to realise his artistic potential, as Basil's portrait of Dorian proves to be his finest work. Lord Henry "Harry" Wotton – a nobleman who is a friend to Basil initially, but later becomes more intrigued with Dorian's beauty and naivete. Extremely witty, Lord Henry is seen as a critique of Victorian culture at the end of the century , espousing a view of indulgent hedonism . He conveys to Dorian his world view, and Dorian becomes corrupted as he attempts to emulate him. The other characters are: Sibyl Vane – An exceptionally talented and beautiful (though extremely poor) actress with whom Dorian falls in love. Her love for Dorian destroys her acting ability, as she no longer finds pleasure in portraying fictional love when she is experiencing love in reality. James Vane – Sibyl's brother who is to become a sailor and leave for Australia . He is extremely protective of his sister, especially as his mother is useless and concerned only with Dorian's money.

He is hesitant to leave his sister, believing Dorian will harm her and promises to be vengeful if any harm should come to her. Alan Campbell – a chemist and once a good friend of Dorian; he ended their friendship when Dorian's reputation began to come into question. Lord Fermor – Lord Henry's uncle. He informs Lord Henry about Dorian's lineage. Victoria, Lady Henry Wotton – Lord Henry's wife, who only appears once in the novel while Dorian waits for Lord Henry; she later divorces Lord Henry in exchange for a pianist. Themes Advertisements Aestheticism and duplicity Aestheticism is a strong motif and is tied in with the concept of the double life . A major theme is that aestheticism is merely an absurd abstract that only serves to disillusion rather than dignify the concept of beauty. Although Dorian is hedonistic , when Basil accuses him of making Lord Henry's sister's name a "by-word," Dorian replies "Take care, Basil. You go too far" [7] suggesting Dorian still cares about his outward image and standing within Victorian society.

Wilde highlights Dorian's pleasure of living a double life, [8] Not only does Dorian enjoy this sensation in private, but he also feels "keenly the terrible pleasure of a double life" when attending a society gathering just 24 hours after committing a murder. This duplicity and indulgence is most evident in Dorian's visit to the opium dens of London. Wilde conflates the images of the upper class and lower class by having the supposedly upright Dorian visit the impoverished districts of London. Lord Henry asserts that "crime belongs exclusively to the lower orders... I should fancy that crime was to them what art is to us, simply a method of procuring extraordinary sensations", which suggests that Dorian is both the criminal and the aesthete combined in one man. This is perhaps linked to Robert Louis Stevenson 's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde , which Wilde admired. [1] The division that was witnessed in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, although extreme, is evident in Dorian Gray, who attempts to contain the two divergent parts of his personality. This is a recurring theme in many Gothic novels.

Allusions to other works The Republic Glaucon and Adeimantus present the myth of Gyges' ring , by which Gyges made himself invisible. They ask Socrates, if one came into possession of such a ring, why should he act justly? Socrates replies that even if no one can see one's physical appearance, the soul is disfigured by the evils one commits. This disfigured (the antithesis of beautiful) and corrupt soul is imbalanced and disordered, and in itself undesirable regardless of other advantages of acting unjustly. Dorian Gray's portrait is the means by which other individuals, such as Dorian's friend Basil, may see Dorian's distorted soul. Tannhäuser At one point, Dorian Gray attends a performance of Richard Wagner 's opera, Tannhäuser , and is explicitly said to personally identify with the work. Indeed, the opera bears some striking resemblances with the novel, and, in short, tells the story of a medieval (and historically real) singer, whose art is so beautiful that he causes Venus , the goddess of love herself, to fall in love with him, and to offer him eternal life with her in the Venusberg.

Tannhäuser becomes dissatisfied with his life there, however, and elects to return to the harsh world of reality, where, after taking part in a song-contest, he is sternly censured for his sensuality, and eventually dies in his search for repentance and the love of a good woman. Faust Wilde is reputed to have stated that "in every first novel the hero is the author as Christ or Faust." [9] As in Faust , a temptation is placed before the lead character Dorian, the potential for ageless beauty; Dorian indulges in this temptation. In both stories, the lead character entices a beautiful woman to love them and kills not only her, but also that woman's brother, who seeks revenge. [10] Wilde went on to say that the notion behind The Picture of Dorian Gray is "old in the history of literature" but was something to which he had "given a new form". [11] Unlike Faust, there is no point at which Dorian makes a deal with the devil .

However, Lord Henry's cynical outlook on life, and hedonistic nature seems to be in keeping with the idea of the devil's role, that of the temptation of the pure and innocent , qualities which Dorian exemplifies at the beginning of the book. Although Lord Henry takes an interest in Dorian, it does not seem that he is aware of the effect of his actions. However, Lord Henry advises Dorian that "the only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing"; [12] in this sense, Lord Henry can be seen to represent the Devil, "leading Dorian into an unholy pact by manipulating his innocence and insecurity." [13] Shakespeare In his preface, Wilde writes about Caliban , a character from Shakespeare's play The Tempest . When Dorian is telling Lord Henry Wotton about his new 'love', Sibyl Vane, he refers to all of the Shakespearean plays she has been in, referring to her as the heroine of each play. At a later time, he speaks of his life by quoting Hamlet , who has similarly driven his girlfriend to suicide and her brother to swear revenge.

Joris-Karl Huysmans Dorian Gray's "poisonous French novel" that leads to his downfall is believed to be Joris-Karl Huysmans ' novel À rebours . Literary critic Richard Ellmann writes: Wilde does not name the book but at his trial he conceded that it was, or almost, Huysmans's A Rebours...To a correspondent he wrote that he had played a 'fantastic variation' upon A Rebours and some day must write it down. The references in Dorian Gray to specific chapters are deliberately inaccurate. [14] Literary significance The publication details of the Ward, Lock & Co. edition The Picture of Dorian Gray began as a short novel submitted to Lippincott's Monthly Magazine . In 1889, J. M. Stoddart, a proprietor for Lippincott, was in London to solicit short novels for the magazine. Wilde submitted the first version of The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was published on 20 June 1890 in the July edition of Lippincott's. There was a delay in getting Wilde's work to press while numerous changes were made to the novel (several manuscripts of which survive).

Some of these changes were made at Wilde's instigation, and some at Stoddart's. Wilde removed all references to the fictitious book "Le Secret de Raoul", and to its fictitious author, Catulle Sarrazin. The book and its author are still referred to in the published versions of the novel, but are unnamed. Wilde also attempted to moderate some of the more homoerotic instances in the book, or instances whereby the intentions of the characters may be misconstrued. In the 1890 edition, Basil tells Henry how he "worships" Dorian, and begs him not to "take away the one person that makes my life absolutely lovely to me." The focus for Basil in the 1890 edition seems to be more towards love, whereas the Basil of the 1891 edition cares more for his art, saying "the one person who gives my art whatever charm it may possess: my life as an artist depends on him." The book was also extended greatly: the original thirteen chapters became twenty, and the final chapter was divided into two new chapters.

The additions involved the "fleshing out of Dorian as a character" and also provided details about his ancestry, which helped to make his "psychological collapse more prolonged and more convincing." [15] The character of James Vane was also introduced, which helped to elaborate upon Sibyl Vane's character and background; the addition of the character helped to emphasise and foreshadow Dorian's selfish ways, as James sees through Dorian's character, and guesses upon his future dishonourable actions (the inclusion of James Vane's sub-plot also gives the novel a more typically Victorian tinge, part of Wilde's attempts to decrease the controversy surrounding the book). Another notable change is that in the latter half of the novel events were specified as taking place around Dorian Gray's 32nd birthday, on 7 November. After the changes, they were specified as taking place around Dorian Gray's 38th birthday, on 9 November, thereby extending the period of time over which the story occurs. The former date is also significant in that it coincides with the year in Wilde's life during which he was introduced to homosexual practices.

Preface The preface to The Picture of Dorian Gray was added, along with other amendments, after the edition published in Lippincott's was criticised. Wilde used it to address the criticism and defend the novel's reputation. [16] It consists of a collection of statements about the role of the artist, art itself, and the value of beauty, and serves as an indicator of the way in which Wilde intends the novel to be read, as well as traces of Wilde's exposure to Daoism and the writings of the Chinese Daoist philosopher Chuang Tsu . Shortly before writing the preface, Wilde reviewed Herbert A. Giles's translation of the writings of Chuang Tsu. [17] In it he writes: “ The honest ratepayer and his healthy family have no doubt often mocked at the dome-like forehead of the philosopher, and laughed over the strange perspective of the landscape that lies beneath him. If they really knew who he was, they would tremble. For Chuang Tsǔ spent his life in preaching the great creed of Inaction, and in pointing out the uselessness of all things.

[18] ” Criticism Overall, initial critical reception of the book was poor, with the book gaining "certain notoriety for being 'mawkish and nauseous,' 'unclean,' 'effeminate,' and 'contaminating.'" [19] This had much to do with the novel's homoerotic overtones, which caused something of a sensation amongst Victorian critics when first published. A large portion of the criticism was levelled at Wilde's perceived hedonism , and its distorted views of conventional morality. The Daily Chronicle of 30 June 1890 suggests that Wilde's novel contains "one element...which will taint every young mind that comes in contact with it." The Scots Observer of 5 July 1890 asks why Wilde must "go grubbing in muck-heaps?” Wilde responded to such criticisms by curtailing some of the homoerotic overtones, and by adding six chapters to the book in an effort to add background.

[20] Major changes in the 1891 version from the 1890 first edition The 1891 version was expanded from 13 to 20 chapters, but also toned down, particularly in some of its too overtly homoerotic aspects. Also, chapters 3, 5, and 15 to 18 are entirely new in the 1891 version, and chapter 13 from the first edition is split in two (becoming chapters 19 and 20). [1] At his 1895 trials Wilde testified that some of these changes were because of letters sent to him by Walter Pater . [21] Deleted or moved passages (Basil about Dorian) He has stood as Paris in dainty armor, and as Adonis with huntsman's cloak and polished boar-spear. Crowned with heavy lotus-blossoms, he has sat on the prow of Adrian's barge, looking into the green, turbid Nile. He has leaned over the still pool of some Greek woodland, and seen in the water's silent silver the wonder of his own beauty.

(This passage turns up in Basil's speech to Dorian in the 1891 version.) (Lord Henry about fidelity) It has nothing to do with our own will. It is either an unfortunate accident, or an unpleasant result of temperament. "You don't mean to say that Basil has got any passion or any romance in him?" / "I don't know whether he has any passion, but he certainly has romance," said Lord Henry, with an amused look in his eyes. / "Has he never let you know that?" / "Never. I must ask him about it. I am rather surprised to hear it. (describing Basil Hallward) Rugged and straightforward as he was, there was something in his nature that was purely feminine in its tenderness. (Basil to Dorian) It is quite true that I have worshipped you with far more romance of feeling than a man usually gives to a friend. Somehow, I had never loved a woman. I suppose I never had time. Perhaps, as Harry says, a really grande passion is the privilege of those who have nothing to do, and that is the use of the idle classes in a country.

(the latter remark being part of Lord Henry's dialogue in the 1891 version) Some dialogue between Mrs Leaf and Dorian has been cut, which mentions Dorian's fondness for "jam" (which might have been used metaphorically for his sexuality). When Basil confronts Dorian: Dorian, Dorian, your reputation is infamous. I know you and Harry are great friends. I say nothing about that now, but surely you need not have made his sister's name a by-word. (That part has been deleted in the 1891 version, and the passage after that has been added.) Added passages Each class would have preached the importance of those virtues, for whose exercise there was no necessity in their own lives. The rich would have spoken on the value of thrift, and the idle grown eloquent over the dignity of labour. A grande passion is the privilege of people who have nothing to do. That is the one use of the idle classes of a country. Don't be afraid. Faithfulness! I must analyze it some day. The passion for property is in it. There are many things that we would throw away if we were not afraid that others might pick them up.

Adaptations and allusions The Picture of Dorian Gray has been the subject of a great number of adaptations on television, film, and the stage. In addition to full adaptations, it has also been the subject of a number of other allusions. Adaptations The Television Personalities produced a song titled "A Picture of Dorian Gray" as part of their debut album " And Don't the Kids Just Love It ", recorded in 1980. Referenced in the song "Sing for the Day" by the 1980's progressive rock band Styx, the lead singer is speaking to a girl named Hannah, and compares her with the line "...as ageless and timeless as Dorian Grey..." The character of Dorian Gray is referenced by Mötley Crüe in the song "New Tattoo" on the album of the same name . Dorian Gray is mentioned in the song "Narcissist" by The Libertines . The song "Dorian" by power metal band Demons & Wizards is based on the book. Dorian Gray was mentioned in the chorus of the song "Tears and Rain" by singer/songwriter James Blunt .

In the song "The Future Holds A Lion's Heart" by Darren Hayes , from the album, This Delicate Thing We've Made ; there is a direct reference to the picture of Dorian Gray being placed in the attic. "When my heart was in the attic Like the picture of Dorian Gray" The 1994–2001 DC Comics series Starman featured a storyline based on Dorian Gray, in which the origins of the Oscar Wilde story are discussed, and Wilde is portrayed in flashbacks. Gary Larson has made reference to the novel in The Far Side , including the captions "The Picture of Dorian Cow" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray and his dog." In the Family Guy episode, "When You Wish Upon A Weinstein", Meg Griffin asks Stewie Griffin how she looks and he replies, "In an attic somewhere, there's a portrait of you getting prettier." A long time joke about the youthful appearance of Dick Clark was that he doesn't appear to age while a painted velvet portrait of Elvis in his attic ages instead. The computer game Fable 2 includes the character of Reaver, a bisexual mayor who has sold his soul to the Shadow Court for eternal youth.

The character is first met having his portrait painted in a direct allusion to Dorian Gray. The character was voiced by Stephen Fry . Plot borrowings The British show Blake's 7 featured a plot loosely based on the novel in the episode "Rescue". Star Trek: The Next Generation used the novel as inspiration for its 129th episode "Man of the People" , featuring a Dorian Gray-esque diplomat who exorcises his own negative feelings by transferring them into others, placing crewmember Deanna Troi in perilous danger. Get Smart episode "Age Before Duty," features a plot to murder agents by applying "Dorian Gray Paint" on their photographs. The Warhammer 40k novel Fulgrim featured a plot loosely based on the novel. Contemporary attention The Picture of Dorian Gray has been chosen as the book of 2010 for Dublin City's "One City, One Book" Festival in its fifth year. [22] Cultural events related to the book and Oscar Wilde will be hosted in Dublin during April 2010.

Editions The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oneworld Classics 2008, ISBN 978-1-84749-018-6 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Penguin Classics 2006, ISBN 978-0141442037 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oxford World's Classics 2006, ISBN 978-0192807298 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Barnes and Noble Classics 2003, ISBN 978-1-59308-025-9 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Tor 1999, ISBN 0-812-56711-0 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wordsworth Classics 1992, ISBN 1853260150 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Modern Library 1992, ISBN 978-0-679-60001-5 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Penguin Classics 1988, ISBN 978-014043

3187-X The Picture of Dorian Gray, Books, Inc.

1944 Footnotes and references ^ a b The Picture of Dorian Gray (Penguin Classics) – Introduction ^ Notes on The Picture of Dorian Gray – An overview of the text, sources, influences, themes and a summary of The Picture of Dorian Gray ^ The Picture of Dorian Gray (Project Gutenberg 20-chapter version), line 3479 et seq in plain text (chapter VII). Portrait of Dorian Gray : Oscar Wilde : 9781450541718 Add to basket Add to wishlist Description The Portrait of Dorian Gray was first published in 1890 by Oscar Wilde. It's seen as one of the first Gothic horror fiction stories and it was criticized as scandalous and immoral! This is the special Reader's Choice Edition which has been carefully designed for Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde fans for extra easy reading. Plot summary: This classic book is about a young man named Dorian Gray. He is the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward who thinks he is very good looking, with a pure beauty. One thing leads to another and Dorian embraces a new hedonism with Basil and a new group of friends.

He begins to believe that the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty, fulfillment of the senses, and pleasures of the flesh... This is an excellent book for yourself and your own library. Or, you can give "The Portrait of Dorian Gray" (Reader's Choice Edition) away as a special gift. show more Product details 178 x 250 x 14mm | 399.16g Publication date North Charleston SC, United States Language Character Influence in The Picture of Dorian Gray, an essay fiction | FictionPress Character Influence in The Picture of Dorian Gray Rated: Fiction K - English - Words: 1,755 - Follows: 1 - Published: 2/28/2005 - id: 1846937 + - Full 3/4 1/2 Expand Tighten Character Influence in The Picture of Dorian Gray In Oscar Wilde's popular nineteenth century novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, he states, in the preface, "all art is quite useless" (Wilde 4).

This is because "the artist is the creator of beautiful things" and critics and spectators aim to "find ugly meanings in beautiful things" (Wilde 3). Therefore, art can be dubbed useless, for according to Wilde, "the only excuse for making a useless thing is that one admires it intensely" (Wilde 4). If all spectators view art as ugly then there is only ugliness, and that, more often than not, is not revered. However, in Dorian Gray, art is beautiful, mesmerizing, and above all, influential; especially since the art is representative of the epitome of beauty, Dorian Gray in the form of a full body portrait. This marvelous piece of art sparks the varying influential attitudes of those closest to Dorian, who remains young as his painted counterpart ages. As Gray grows more self-centered and corrupt on the inside and more susceptible to influence on the outside, Oscar Wilde's characterization of Basil Hallward, Lord Henry, Sibyl Vane and Gray's picture itself in The Picture of Dorian Gray ultimately influences how Dorian Gray lives his life. Basil Hallward is an artist, the creator of art and all things beautiful. He admires Dorian Gray greatly.

To Basil, Dorian is a man "whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if he allowed it to do so, it would absorb his whole nature, his whole soul" and his "very art itself" (Wilde 9). Due to his spectacular first impression, Dorian has a lasting impression on Hallward. In fact, Basil quick fixation on Dorian's beauty and image of purity leads him to caution his best friend, Lord Henry "Harry" Wotton: "Don't spoil him. Don't try to influence him. Your influence would be bad. The World is wide, and has many marvelous people in it. Don't take away from me the only person who gives to my art whatever charm is possesses; my life as an artist depends on him"(Wilde 15) Basil knows that Harry is tainted, and he worries that if Harry ever got to Dorian, he would become tainted too. This, in turn, would lead to the downfall of Basil's career. However, Dorian soon catches on that Basil is trying to separate him from Harry, which tempts him to get to know Harry better. A bond grows between the two and because of Basil's anxiety; he influences Dorian to strike up a new friendship.

Yet, Basil does not stop admiring Dorian. In fact, his "attachment to the figure of Dorian—to his physical beauty and the purity it reflects—is extreme" (Nassar 369). Even Basil admits that Dorian's "personality had the most extraordinary influence over" him (Wilde 97). He claims that he is "dominated, soul, brain, and power by" him and that he is "only happy when" in his presence(Wilde 97). It is Basil's extreme attachment that "destroys him, while Dorian's attempt to yield entirely to evil leads to Basil's death" (Nassar 369). Dorian, "the one person who has really influenced Basil's art" is shaped by evil and the corruption around him. This causes him to dig a "knife into the great vein that is behind the ear, crushing Basil's head" (Wilde 134). However, despite Basil's death, he still influences Dorian.

Dorian had not yet removed the corpse, and as he saw "the dead man still sitting there, too, in the sunlight" he realized that "such hideous things were for the darkness, not for the day" (Wilde 137). This further plants the idea that beauty is to be held above all else in Dorian's mind—influencing more how he thinks of himself and judges those around him by appearance. Oscar Wilde himself states that "there are people in the world that cannot understand the intense devotion, affection, and admiration than an artist can feel for a wonderful and beautiful personality" (Hyde 352). Dorian slowly becomes one of those people, and those became the conditions in which he lived. Unlike Basil Hallward, Lord Henry "spends his days in saying what is incredible and his evening in doing what is improbable" (Wilde 99). To Dorian, this is the sort of life he would like to lead. Lord Henry, or Harry to those that know the man well, is a very opinionated, outspoken, and morally corrupt figure. On top of those less-than-flattering qualities, he is also the most influential person Dorian ever comes across.

Since the day the two met, Dorian has never doubted what Harry has to say. He has opinions on almost every matter of life, from marriage to business—which may be all too similar to Harry. Of all the things he speaks of, however, he speaks about the prestige of youth with the most passion. Harry claims that youth is the only thing worth having. He feels that Dorian's beauty could be compared to a higher form of genius because it does not need an explanation—and Harry is not afraid to tell him so. Dorian listening, open-eyed and wondering quickly realizes that Harry gives very interesting words of advice—advice that Dorian will always follow. However, there is a touch of irony in the fact that Harry's actions affect Dorian because even Harry says: "Because to influence a person is to give him one's own soul. He does not think his own natural thoughts, or burn with his natural passions. His virtues are not real to him. His sins, if there are such sins, are borrowed.

He becomes the echo at some one else's music, an actor of a part that has not been written for him" (Wilde 18) The mere fact of Dorian follows the words of Harry and is yet oblivious to how he is being controlled is what makes him do such things as kill Basil and end his engagement with a young actress, Sibyl Vane. He is living up to the standards that Harry sets. Even Harry himself tells Dorian that he "could not have helped telling him everything he does" (Wilde 46). This demonstrates the fact that Harry is aware of his influential presence. Dorian realizes too late that "Basil would have helped him resist Lord Henry's influence, and the still more poisonous influences that came from his own temperament" (Wilde 102). Dorian becomes a vile, corrupt figure to the rest of society as he takes Harry's advice. Among the casualties of Dorian's vain, influenced behavior, Sibyl Vane, a beautiful, young actress whom falls in love with him, suffers, in the most in the end and leads Dorian to further corruption. At her performances, Sibyl amazes Dorian and he fall in love with her instantly.

He views her as a goddess and everything else wonderful in the world. He thinks of her almost the same way Basil thought of him. However, unlike the way Dorian thinks of Basil, Sibyl "thinks Dorian the most wonderful person in the world" (Wilde 59). The two fall in love, despite the fact that Sibyl does not know him by his name—just Prince Charming. The two marry. While Harry and Basil are happy for him, Harry insists that marriage is a waste of time. Basil is protective of Dorian and hopes that "the girl is good" and he "doesn't want to see Dorian tied to some vile creature, who might degrade his nature and ruin his intellect" (Wilde 63). Ironically enough, his nature is already being ruined by Harry's influence. On Sibyl's last performance, she did does not perform well because all she could think about was her Prince Charming and how much she loves him. Her terrible performance causes Dorian to lose complete and total interest in her. He realizes that he fell in love with the characters she played and not her real entity. Dorian tells her such and he breaks off the engagement.

He feels that Sibyl herself "killed his love" and that she is just "a third-rate actress with a pretty face" (Wilde 75). Heartbroken, Sibyl eventually commits suicide, for without Dorian, she has no reason to live. He soon convinces himself that he indirectly "murdered Sibyl Vane" because he "was selfish of her" (Wilde 84-85). Her death breaks Dorian on the inside, and with his inside vulnerable, he becomes more susceptible to the negative influence around him coming from Harry, society, and above all, his picture that grants him eternal youth. The infamous picture, painted by Basil in the beginning of the novel, that deeply roots the idea that beauty is to be held above all else in Dorian's mind is the picture that taunts him and leads him to murder Hallward. It is the picture that compels him to lead a life under Harry's influence. It is the picture that makes him superficial in the matters of love. And in the end, it is the picture that leads to his death. The marvel of the portrait is what influences him the most.

It has been said that: "The portrait, not Dorian Gray, emerges finally as the authentic hero. After all it is not life but art that inspires Dorian as well as Basil Hallward and, indirectly, Lord Henry" (San Juan 353) It is true; art drives Dorian to extremes and leads to his demise. It leads to his ability to be influenced by those around him. In an interview, Oscar Wilde said that he does "not think one person influences another." If one person does not influence, then it has to be art. However, Oscar Wilde's characterization of Basil Hallward, Lord Henry, Sibyl Vane and Dorian's portrait to influence Dorian Gray is a prime exception. Works Cited Hyde, Montgomery H. "The Trials of Oscar Wilde." Dover Publications, Inc., 1973, 366p. The Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. Ed. Laurie Di Mauro. Detroit: Gale, 1991. 41: 350. Nassar, Christopher S. Into the Demon Universe: A Literary Exploration of Oscar Wilde. Yale University Press, 1974. p. 191.

Rpt. in Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. Ed. Laurie Di Mauro. Detroit: Gale, 1991. 41.360. San Juan, Epifanio. "The Art of Oscar Wilde." Princeton University Press, 1967, 238p. Rpt. in Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. Ed. Laurie Di Mauro. Detroit: Gale, 1991. 41.353. Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor Media Group, 2003. The author would like to thank you for your continued support. Your review has been posted. Favorite : Story The picture of Dorian Gray 1890 by Oscar Wilde · OverDrive: eBooks, audiobooks and videos for libraries Classic Literature Fiction Literature Historical Fiction The novel begins on a beautiful summer day with Lord Henry Wotton, a strongly-opinionated man, observing the sensitive artist Basil Hallward painting the portrait of a handsome young man named Dorian Gray, who is Basil's ultimate muse.

After hearing Lord Henry's world view, Dorian begins to think beauty is the only worthwhile aspect of life. He wishes that the portrait Basil painted would grow old in his place. Under the influence of Lord Henry (who relishes the hedonic lifestyle and is a major exponent thereof), Dorian begins to explore his senses. He discovers amazing actress Sibyl Vane, who performs Shakespeare plays in a dingy theatre. Dorian approaches her and soon proposes marriage. Sibyl, who refers to him as "Prince Charming", swoons with happiness, but her protective brother James tells her that if "Prince Charming" harms her, he will certainly kill him. Dorian invites Basil and Lord Henry to see Sibyl perform in Romeo and Juliet. Sibyl, whose only knowledge of love was love of theatre, casts aside her acting abilities through the experience of true love with Dorian. Disheartened, Dorian rejects her, saying her beauty was in her acting, and he is no longer interested in her. When he returns home, he notices that his portrait has changed. Dorian realises his wish has come true – the portrait now bears a subtle sneer and will age with each sin he commits, while his own appearance remains unchanged.

Dorian Gray Dorian Gray Identity/Class: Human altered by magic Occupation: Dilettante Affiliations: Lord Henry Wotton; formerly Basil Hallward Enemies: James Vane, Basil Hallward Known Relatives: None Aliases: None known Base of Operations: England First Appearance: The Picture of Dorian Gray (Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, 20th June 1890) by Oscar Wilde Powers/Abilities: So long as the picture is intact Dorian does not age nor can any injury affect him - instead all infirmities are passed on to it. History: Dorian Gray is an orphaned boy who is the heir to a great fortune. Basil Hallward paints his portrait, and Dorian declares that he would give his soul if he were always to be young and the painting instead would grow old. Dorian leaves his fiancée - the actress Sibyl Vane - because through a single bad performance he claims that she has killed his love. She kills herself with poison and Dorian is unaffected. So begins the tale of the boys descent into low society in London while still giving dinners and musicals for high society.

He is inspired by two things: the book Lord Henry Wotton sends him that seems to predict his own life in dissecting every virtue and every sin from the past; and secondly the picture of himself which grows steadily older and more vicious looking compared to his own mirror image which remains young. Fanatical about the portrait, he is driven to murder and deception. As others are drawn into this web of evil Dorian himself longs to return to innocence but his method is horrific and tragic.

Question: Whose portrait was painted by the fictional artist Basil Hallward?
Answer: DORIAN GRAY